Genius Hour week 6- Showtime!

I started my Genius Hour project with a very loose idea of creating a “happiness project” I had been feeling uninspired to try new things, frustrated with some of my routines and/or lack of routines, and overall discouraged and wanted to get back some of the “fun” in my life.
After doing some reading and checking out some blogs and apps I ended up focusing on 3 things that I felt were helping me feel focused and centered: exercise, in particular running and yoga, playing piano, and journaling.  Reflecting on the process I realized that week 2 was really helpful to create new routines and to force me to stick to my new plans.  Looking at my learning styles I realized that all these activities are kinesthetic in nature which is my preferred learning style.

One thing I have learned throughout this experience is the need to push myself out of my comfort zone.  From sending my piano practicing videos to my teacher for virtual feedback, to joining small races around the community, to posting on a mediation blog and reaching out to a supportive community.

I realized that the learning experience is one of the things that bring me joy. I’m still struggling with finding the perfect balance between having fun with what I’m doing and not feeling like it’s becoming a chore. I realized that I need to be flexible with myself and kind of take one day at a time.  I would like to try a similar approach with my kids and let them decide what their Genius Hour project would be and see how that unfolds.

Genius Hour week 5- Learning Styles

My learning style is hands-on, I need to try things out, I need to do in order to figure out how things work. I realized that I’m very visual too. I like to make lists and sketch things out, I highlight and take notes on my books, I love sticky notes and color-coding things. I think that there must be a mental connection/reward for me when I get to do something physical and see the end result.

When considering the type of learner that I am while attempting different activities during my Genius Hour project I realized:

• Playing the piano: It is a combination of kinesthetic, visual, and audio.  I have to practice, to physically touch the keys, I can learn from watching videos and listening to audio, but ultimately I have to practice to reap the benefits.
• Yoga: Again a combination of kinesthetic and visual. I realized that I enjoy practicing yoga videos more than I thought I was going to. In the past, I had gone to a yoga studio but creating my own playlists has worked out nicely. 
• Running: total kinesthetic activity and one that I enjoy better with friends. However, I have started reading more books (training books) and have joined a virtual team with coaches that will host Zoom meetings and Facebook live events.
• Meditation: journaling is a kinesthetic activity for me. I like to write down my thoughts much better than listening to a guided meditation or using any electronic format. 

Here is my Dip chart

Genius Hour Week 4- Mutiny!

This week I was able to focus on reading Mallika Chopra's book Living with Intent and found some passages and quotes that truly resonated with me. I’m sharing them with you here.  One in particular that resonated with me was this

“Change doesn’t happen when we feel confident, strong, and rooted. The blessing of uncertainty is that it gives us the nudge we need to dig deep- to incubate and reflect on what we want- and to find the courage to carve out a different path.” (Chopra, 51)

I struggled with my own frustrations this week especially around my fitness goals and desire to push myself to do more. Sometimes less is more.  Sometimes you don’t have to have everything figured out in order to achieve change but instead, you have to work through uncertainty to find your path.

I struggled with practicing yoga and piano realizing I’m frustrated to not have feedback at the moment. I found myself procrastinating and not enjoying those activities when instead I should focus not on the feedback and progression but on the joy they bring me. Who cares if I miss I beat? My only audience is my dogs and cats and they don’t seem to care but rather are amused with my attempts.

I guess this is part of the journey and while I felt the routines of week 2 had really helped I won't see a difference unless I stick to them long term. Setbacks are normal and we should learn from them. Reflecting on both of the books I have been reading I realized that both authors broke down their "intentions" over long periods of time and focused on developing routines that supported one or two changes at a time. 

Genius Hour Week 3- Elevator Pitch

This past week has been emotionally intense and working on my Genius Hour project has provided a dedicated “me” time. Last week I started some new routines: exercise, journaling, and decluttering at the end of the day. I’m proud to have stuck with them and realize that they are helping when coping with stress. When reflecting on what I wanted my Genius Hour to be I think I have come to the realization that I wanted to find a new purpose, a calmer or more centered me, and to create healthier routines. Last week I wanted to add some new routines: Practice piano more frequently by recording my practices and sharing them with my teacher for virtual feedback. Read Mallika Chopra’s book Living with Intent. Explore the app Insight Timer for guided meditations.

Quick updates; I managed to practice piano a bit more...here is a sample of Greensleeves (still need to practice more to not rush through some of the measures). While it feels really odd not to have immediate feedback and for all I know I’m playing the piece totally wrong I find a sense of calmness in the repetition of practicing a piece over and over. I had installed the Insight Timer app a while back but it always seemed I didn’t have enough time...or I didn't make the time. This week while I walked I listened to some of their guided meditations and listened to their music playlists when doing homework. I found that I like their playlists but wished they would be a bit “faster” for walking. A friend has shared that Headspace, another app has “walking mediations”. However, there are no free options. I didn’t manage to read Living with Intent. Overall I feel that I have identified things that at the beginning of this project I was unsure of and that by sticking to routines I’m able to better be present in the moment.  

Genius Hour Week 2- Routines

This past week I read the first chapters of The Happiness Project because even though the months of April & May were the ones that had caught my attention and got me interested in exploring this whole idea I realized I needed to figure how the author had decided to pursue this project. I need to figure out why I was drawn towards this idea myself. Each chapter (month) gave me some ideas: Identify what is bothering you Break down big issues into smaller items you can work on Take care of your physical body if you want to take care of your emotional body Stop complaining Ask for help Work smarter Create routines… Like most everyone, the global pandemic and the events of last week has taken a toll on my overall sense of well being, energy, and patience. I realized that little things have been “setting me off” but truly it’s not the little things but the larger issues that I have been ignoring. I identified that being short-tempered or aggravated with my children was one of the issues bothering me, feeling disconnected from those I love, feeling tired and unmotivated, and lacking a purpose or goal. So what can I do? Create smaller tasks that can help me avoid feeling like I have no control over what is happening around me. Exercise, eat healthier, get more sleep. Delegate housework...and let it go. Create my own routines… I realized that I liked my routines and schedule prior to the shelter in place orders, even though there were some issues and I’m sure I was short-tempered at moments, I felt there was a sense of control that now seemed lost. So I decided to revisit my days and figure out how I can create “routines” that will allow me to regain “control” at the same time some of these routines will help me feel more energized, calmed, and focused. So here are a few of the routines I have created for myself: Exercise: I love running, but injuries are preventing me from becoming a better runner. Instead of getting frustrated or discouraged, I have decided to incorporate yoga into my routine- 2 days a week- to help with flexibility which will help my injuries.

Walking is another option that I can do with a friend (maintaining social distancing) this will help both physically and give me a sense of connection. I can also walk with my son and our dog and it will give us time without distractions.

Journaling: I have started writing for 5 minutes every day. It is a kind of “freewriting” to just empty my mind and practice gratitude.

Clutter bothers me and makes me feel I don’t have a sense of control. One of Gretchen Rubin’s suggestions was to take 5 minutes every night before going to bed to do a quick “clean up” and pick up things so in the morning there is a clean start to the day. These are 3 of the routines I have started following and while it is too soon to really know if they are making a difference I do feel that I have a better sense of control over my days and I feel more energized. This week I want to explore three additional resources: Practice piano more frequently by recording my practices and sharing them with my teacher for virtual feedback. Read Mallika Chopra’s book Living with Intent. Explore the app Insight Timer for guided meditations.